Systems and methods for processing benefits

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for processing, for example, childcare benefits include: issuing a benefit card to a childcare customer; receiving a start time for childcare service at a childcare provider, the start time recorded by using the benefit card at a terminal located at the childcare provider at the start of childcare service; receiving an end time for childcare service at the childcare provider, the end time recorded by using the benefit card at a terminal located at the childcare provider at the end of childcare service; computing the childcare benefit eligibility based on the start time, the end time and benefits available for the childcare customer; and paying the childcare provider a payment based on the computed benefit eligibility.

DESCRIPTION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/399,153, filed Jul. 30, 2002, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is related to information management, and more particularly to systems and methods for managing payments, budgeting accounts, and reporting finances of services such as childcare services.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Federal and state governments are responsible for protecting the welfare of its citizens. As a consequence, programs have been established that offer financial assistance or benefits to those citizens whose income meets or falls below the poverty line. In implementing these programs, some state governments provide subsidies or grants for services such as childcare services. Over time, however, at least one study has uncovered rampant fraud and abuse in the areas of record keeping and billing among a number of childcare providers. Moreover, this study indicated that a more efficient means of tracking and monitoring the records of all children receiving government sponsored childcare is needed. Still further, this study showed that state sponsored childcare programs lack a sufficient number of qualified childcare providers, and that the retention rate of qualified childcare providers needs improvement.

Many such problems in the childcare systems result from the sheer amount of time and energy required by the childcare system participants (e.g., administrators, service providers, and funding agencies) in dealing with massive amounts of paperwork involved in tracking childcare providers, determining eligibility of children for care, and maintaining and processing attendance records in a timely manner. Further, these complex processes not only result in waste and frustration for participants, but also provide ample opportunities for fraud.

In light of the aforementioned problems encountered by existing government sponsored childcare services there is a need to provide an efficient systems and methods for managing service providing systems such as childcare providing systems.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems of the present invention enable benefits administrators and service providers to meet financial and record management obligations in an efficient and timely manner.

Consistent with the invention, some embodiments of the invention provide a method for processing benefit payments to service providers. The method for processing childcare benefit payments comprises the steps of issuing a benefit token with a unique machine-readable identifier to a customer; reading the identifier from the benefit token at a terminal located at the provider at the beginning of a service session to generate a start time; reading the identifier from the benefit token at the terminal at the end of the service session to generate an end time; transmitting a transaction record including the start time and the end time to a processing system; computing benefit payment based on the start time, the end time, and an eligibility criteria; and transmitting the benefit payment to the services provider. In some embodiments, the services provider may be a provider of childcare services. In some embodiments, computing the benefit payment may also be based on specific business rules.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an overview of a childcare processing system consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary childcare processing environment consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a diagram illustrating a benefit card consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a diagram illustrating a transaction record consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a diagram illustrating a terminal consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computing system consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a diagram illustrating a childcare processing system consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a diagram illustrating various modules of the childcare processing system consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a diagram illustrating various management applications of the childcare processing system consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10A shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen related to account setup consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen related to childcare customer information management consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10C shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen related to issuance of a new benefit card consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10D shows a diagrams illustrating an exemplary screen related to replacement of a benefit card consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10E shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen related to issuance of a childcare benefit to a childcare provider consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10F shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen related to transaction history consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 10G shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen related to messaging for childcare providers and customers consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram listing exemplary reports that may be generated consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate exemplary reports consistent with methods and system of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for processing childcare benefits consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method for processing childcare benefits consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for managing childcare benefits consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method for managing childcare benefits consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows a flow diagram illustrating a redundant arrangement for processing childcare benefits consistent with methods and systems of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for recording a childcare service transaction consistent with methods and systems of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for generating a report consistent with methods and systems of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments consistent with the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The childcare processing system disclosed below is an example of a benefits processing system. The examples disclosed herein illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit applicability of the invention to other benefits programs.

The disclosed benefits processing system is a distributed architecture-based electronic childcare processing system. Accordingly, it may be implemented using object-oriented programming techniques, such as JAVA, distributed databases, and an Internet browser-based front-end. Several users, including federal staff, state staff, county staff, childcare providers, administrators, and childcare customers may interact with the childcare processing system without having specialized software on their computers. Childcare providers and customers may communicate with the system using telephones and/or terminals, for example, which may be located at the childcare providers' site.

Overview

Methods and systems according to the present invention are directed to better management of childcare benefits and records from the childcare customer to a childcare benefits administrator. The customer may be a benefits recipient in need of childcare and eligible for federal, state, or local support, such as payment for childcare services.

Initially, the customer applies for a transaction token in the form of, for example, a benefit card. In order to receive the benefit card, the customer provides personal information to the benefits administrator, including information regarding employment, education, training, and other requested details. The customer then receives a benefit card, having a unique machine-readable identifier, that tracks the customer's use of childcare and provides for benefits, such as partial payment of childcare fees, based on customer eligibility.

A benefit card is associated with each customer and may store information about the customer relating to entitlement to benefits. The benefit card may also be linked to a credit card or deposit account, from which payment of additional fees associated with childcare not covered by the benefits provided to that customer may be drawn.

A terminal, typically located at an approved childcare provider site, provides an interface between the benefits provided, the childcare provider, and the customer through the benefit card. The customer swipes the benefit card through the terminal at the beginning and end of each childcare provider session. The terminal may also include an entry pad for entry of codes or additional data. The terminal creates a transaction record of the use of childcare. The terminal may also facilitate a payment transaction, such as a co-payment associated with the childcare or an overtime payment. The combination of the terminal and the benefit card allow for the easy tracking of attendance at a childcare provider. The transaction record stores information, including customer information, date, location, start time for care, end time for care, and other relevant transaction information. A transaction record may include one transaction or many transactions for one child, one customer, or one location.

The terminal is connected through a network to a childcare processing system, which receives transaction records from a plurality of terminals. The transaction records may be transmitted to the childcare processing system at regular intervals, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. In particular, the childcare processing system processes benefits payments based on the transaction records. The benefits payments are calculated using time and attendance data of customers at the childcare provider. The benefits payments may also factor in specific state or federal childcare rules applicable to a particular customer. The childcare processing system may be used by the benefits administrator to generate payments to childcare providers or customers. The childcare processing system may also be operated by a third party that also transmits invoices for benefits amounts for childcare service to the benefits administrator.

Through receipt of transaction records, the childcare processing system may also generate a number of reports. The reports may include case management reports, individual childcare use reports, audit reports, overall use tracking reports, and other types of reports that may be generated using data from the transaction records. The reports may be viewed by the customer, childcare provider, or benefits administrator in paper form or using the Internet. Though the use of electronic tracking, the childcare processing system can provide for the efficient management of childcare benefits.

FIG. 1 provides an overview of the general structure of a childcare processing environment 100. Childcare processing environment 100 includes a customer 110, a benefit card 120, a benefits administrator 130, a childcare provider 140, a terminal 150, and a transaction record 160.

Customer 110 is a benefits recipient who is eligible for childcare benefits for one or more children. Benefit card 120 is a card issued by benefits administrator 130 to customer 110 for use in the childcare processing environment 100. Benefit card 120 stores information about customer 110. Benefits administrator 130 may be the federal, state, county, or private group that sponsors childcare benefits for eligible participants.

Childcare provider 140 provides one or more services to qualified customers 110. Several childcare providers 140, for example, may be located in the same building, but typically they would at least occupy different rooms. Each childcare provider 140 may be managed by one or more different economic entities, or some or all of childcare providers 140 may be managed by the same economic entity. In fact, a different individual may manage each childcare provider 140. Examples of services that may be provided by one or more of childcare providers 140 include day care, medical, counseling, or other services associated with children.

The site of childcare provider 140 includes a terminal 150, which connects childcare provider 140 with a childcare processing system 200 to facilitate execution of client transactions and calculation of payment data based on those transactions over a predefined period of time. Client transactions can, for example, include recording beginning and ending times for the duration of services, validating client identity, and verifying eligibility for the services requested. Childcare provider 140 further stores and outputs the respective financial data and transaction information as a transaction record 160, which can be transferred to a childcare processing system 200.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of childcare processing environment 100 with a childcare processing system 200 consistent with methods and systems of the present invention. Childcare processing system 200 may be an Electronic Payment Processing and Information Control (“EPPIC”) system, connected via a network 205 to customers 110 _(A-N). Any number of customers 110A-N may be connected to childcare processing system 200 through network 205. Childcare processing system 200 is further connected, via a network 206, to terminals 150 _(A-N). Each of terminals 150 _(A-N) is located at a corresponding childcare provider 140 _(A-N). Childcare processing system 200 is further connected, via network 207 to benefits administrator 130. Benefits administrator 130 may include connections to federal, state, and county providers (not shown). Although only a limited number of participants are depicted in FIG. 2, additional participants, such as third party processors, federal, state, and county offices may be connected to childcare processing system 200 through various networking environments.

Networks 205, 206 and 207 may be any appropriate mechanism permitting communication among the various components. Examples of networks 205, 206 and 207 include the Internet, telephony networks, private networks, virtual private networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, wide area networks, ad hoc networks, state networks, frame-relay networks, or any other mechanism for permitting communication between remote sites, regardless of whether the connection is wired or wireless. Thus, the present invention can be used in any environment where information may be exchanged by any means among the various components childcare processing environment 100.

Benefit Card

FIG. 3 shows a diagram illustrating transaction token 120 consistent with methods and systems of the present invention. Token 120 may be in the form of a plastic card with a magnetized strip of information, a smart card, an RF transponder, or any other device that may be used for machine readable retrieval and storage of benefits information.

Each prospective customer 110 completes an application to determine whether they qualify for childcare benefits. Once customer 110 completes the application process, an administrative institution through benefits administrator 130 authorizes or denies the client participation in the childcare program. If benefits administrator 130 authorizes customer 110 to receive subsidized childcare, the responsible benefits administrator 130 opens a benefits account for the customer, including providing a unique identifier, and sends customer 110 a transaction token, such as benefit card 120 shown, for example, in FIG. 3. Benefit card 120 can include a magnetic stripe 310 for electronically storing data, including the identifier associated with the account of customer 110, as was discussed above.

Benefit card 120 can store personal benefits criteria associated with the level of assistance provided to customer 110, as is specified in the account of customer 110. Customer 110 swipes benefit card 120 at a terminal 150 located at the site of care provider 140 at the start and end of each session during which childcare services are rendered. The start and stop times may be stored in terminal 150, on benefit card 120, and/or transmitted through network 206 to childcare processing system 200, where it is accessible to benefits administrator 130. In some embodiments, benefit card 120 is linked with customer 110's financial account separate from the benefits account, facilitating the transfer of funds from the financial account to cover a co-payment or other amount not covered by the benefits approved for customer 110 at the time of childcare service.

Transaction Record

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a transaction record 160 created at terminal 150. Transaction record 160 stores information, including customer information, date, location, start time for care, end time for care, co-payment amount, and other relevant transaction information. Transaction record 160 may include information for one or more transactions. Transaction record 160 may refer to one customer 110 or to one or more children of customer 110 or may include all information for a provider 140.

Transaction record 160 can include any information that records the time in and time out parameters for service provided at childcare provider 140. Further, transaction record 160 can be formatted in any way. In some embodiments, transaction record 160 includes fixed fields for transmitting data regarding the transaction. In some embodiments, transaction record 160 includes one or more of the following fields: record type; authorization number; authorization case number; authorization person number; contract number; transaction number; swipe date; swipe time; swipe type; current date; current time; completion code; paid amount; paid date; card number; user number; copay amount; pay source; reason code; deduction amount; transaction phone number; POS phone number; last used date; reference number; maximum number of paid FT days; Maximum number of paid PT days; Maximum number of absent days; previous period FT day count; previous period PT day count; current period FT day count; current period PT day count; previous period FT days remaining; previous period PT days remaining; current period FT days remaining; current period PT days remaining; previous period cumulative copay; current period cumulative copay; copay amount; copay percent; previous period remaining copay; current period remaining copay; copay effective date; part time rate; full time rate; copay flag; last modified date; last modified by. Descriptions of these various example fields are provided in Table I below.

The record type field can indicate one of several types of records for transmission between childcare provider 140 and childcare processing system 200. For example, the following record types may be indicated numerically in transaction record 160: swipes, manual override swipes, manual entry, administrative terminal entry, administrative terminal adjustments, payment to provider, absence payments, client inactivity report, card status entries, declined transactions, and pending transactions. Descriptions of these record types are provided in Table II below. Records of these various types are transmitted between terminal 150 and benefits administrator 130 through child care processing system 200, as is illustrated in FIG. 2.

TABLE I Examples of Fields that may be present in record 160. Data Field Description Record Type The record type field indicates the type of record 160. Various record types are described in Table II. Authorization Number The authorization number field contains a unique number created by benefits administrator 130 at the time customer 110 is authorized to receive services at childcare provider 140. Authorization Case The authorization case number field contains Number the case number assigned by benefits administrator 130 associated with authorization of services at childcare provider 140. Authorization Person The authorization person number filed contains Number a number assigned to the person (i.e., child) associated with a particular attendance transaction. Each person associated with card 120 who is eligible to receive services at childcare provider 140 is assigned a person number unique to the case number for card 120. Contract Number The contract number field contains information indicated the contract between benefits administrator 130 and childcare provider 140 for provision of services to customer 110. Transaction Number The transaction number field contains a number associated with the particular transaction. Transaction numbers may be assigned by childcare processing system 200 for utilization in terminal 150. Swipe Date The swipe data field provides the date of services provided by childcare provider 140. In some embodiments, the date is provided by terminal 150 or can be manually entered at terminal 150 to be a date prior to the date of data entry. Swipe Time The swipe time field provides the time of attendance and is typically provided by terminal 150 as the time card 120 is inserted into terminal 150. Swipe Type The swipe type field indicates whether the attendance is being recorded as an “in” or an “out” type, i.e. when customer 110 arrives for service or leaves after service. Current Date The current date field indicates the date the transaction indicated in record 160 was recorded. Current Time The current time field indicates the date the transaction indicated in record 160 was recorded. Completion Code The completion code field indicates the authorization code returned to childcare provider 140 after customer 110 inserts card 120. An indication of whether the transaction is approved, denied or pending, with additional detail, may be provided. Paid Amount The paid amount field indicates the monetary amount paid to childcare provider 140 to compensate for provision of services. Paid Date The paid date field indicates the payment date to provider. Card Number The card number field indicates the identification of card 120 and can be captured by terminal 150 from card 120. User Number The user number field indicates a number associated with a user's input of a transaction record 160 through a device other than one of terminal 150. CoPay Amount The copay amount field indicates the monetary amount that has accumulated against the indicated transaction. Pay Source The pay source field indicates the source of funds for payment of the benefits associated with the transaction indicated by record 160. Reason Code The reason code field indicates the reason for any adjustment in the transaction or rejection of the transaction indicated by record 160. Deduction Amount The deduction amount field indicates the monetary amount deducted from a payment to childcare provider 140 in order to recoup past overpayments to childcare provider 140. Transaction Phone The transaction phone number field indicates Number the phone number associated with terminal 150. POS Phone Number The POS phone number field indicates the phone number associated with childcare provider 140, where terminal 150 is located. Last Used Date The lased used date field indicates the date that card 120 was last used in a transaction. Reference Number The reference number field indicates a reference number assigned by benefits administrator 130 associated with an adjustment to childcare provider 140. Max Number of Paid FT The Max Number of Paid FT Days field Days indicates the number of full-time days of subsidized service that child indicated in the authorization person number field is authorized to receive during the calendar month. Max Number of Paid PT The Max Number of Paid PT Days field Days indicates the number of part-time days of subsidized service that a child indicated in the authorization person number field is authorized to receive during the calendar month. Max Number of Absent The Max Number of Absent Days field Days indicates the maximum number of days for which childcare provider 140 may receive payment for services even if the child indicated in the authorization person number field is absent during the calendar month. Previous Period FT Day The previous period FT day count field Count indicates the number of full time days of day care that the child indicated in the authorization person number field received during the previous calendar month. Previous Period PT Day The previous period PT day count field Count indicates the number of part time days of day care that the child indicated in the authorization person number field received during the previous calendar month. Current Period FT Day The current FT day count field indicates the Count number of full time days of service that the child indicated in the authorization person number field has received during the current calendar month. Current Period PT Day The current period PT day count field indicates Count the number of part time days of service that the child indicated in the authorization person number field has received during the current calendar month. Previous Period FT Days The previous period FT days remaining field Remaining indicates the unused number of full-time days of service that the child indicated in the authorization person number field has available from the previous calendar month. Previous Period PT Days The previous period PT days remaining field Remaining indicates the unused number of part-time days of service that the child indicated in the authorization person number field has available from the previous calendar month. Current Period FT Days The current period FT days remaining field Remaining indicates the unused number of full-time days of day care that the child indicated in the authorization person number field has available for the current calendar month. Current Period PT Days The current period PT days remaining field Remaining indicates the unused number of part-time days of day care that the child indicated in the authorization person number field has available for the current calendar month. Previous Period The previous period cumulative copay field Cumulative CoPay indicates the monetary amount of the copay that accumulated for the child indicated in the authorization person number field during the previous calendar month. Current Period The current period cumulative copay field Cumulative CoPay indicates the monetary amount of the copay that accumulated for the child indicated in the authorization person number field during the current calendar month. CoPay Amount The copay amount field indicates the monetary value of the copay that is due from customer 110 to childcare provider 140 for the child indicated in the authorization person number field during the previous calendar month. CoPay Percent The copay percent field indicates the percentage of the services rate that should be used to calculate the daily copy due from customer 110 to childcare provider 140. Previous Period The previous period remaining copay field Remaining CoPay indicates the monetary value of the uncollected copy from customer 110 associated with the child indicated in the authorization person number field during the previous calendar month. Current Period The current period remaining copay field Remaining CoPay indicates the monetary value of the uncollected copy from customer 110 associated with the child indicated in the authorization person number field during the current calendar month. CoPay Effective Date The copay effective date field indicates the earliest date that copay is due from customer 110 to childcare provider 140 for the effective authorization. Part Time Rate The part-time rate field indicates the monetary value due to childcare provider 140 for one day of part-time services for the child indicated in the authorization person field with the current authorization. Full Time Rate The full-time rate field indicates the monetary value due to childcare provider 140 for one day of full-time services for the child indicated in the authorization person field with the current authorization. CoPay Flag The copay flag field indicates whether or not there is a copay allocated to the case associated with this authorization. Last Modified Date The last modified date field indicates the date that the case data associated with this authorization was last modified. Last Modified By The last modified by field indicates the user identification of the benefits administrator 130 who last modified data associated with this authorization.

TABLE II DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE RECORD TYPES Record Type Description of Record Type swipes record A swipes record type includes an attendance transaction, including a date/time stamp in and out and data identifying and authorizing customer 110 for the services at childcare provider 140. A swipes record is typically created when customer 110 utilizes card 120 in terminal 150. Manual Override A manual override swipes record is a record of an Swipes attendance transaction that was not captured at the time service was provided at childcare provider 140 and that was entered through terminal 150 manually without card 120. Manual Entry A manual entry record type indicates an attendance transaction captured when customer 110 enters an identifying card number and attendance data manually at terminal 150. Administrative An administrative terminal entry record type Terminal Entry indicates a manual entry of an attendance transaction entered by benefits administrator 130. Administrate Terminal An administrative terminal adjustment record type Adjustments indicates an adjustment to an existing record created by benefits administrator 130. Payment to Provider A payment to provider record type indicates a detailed payment record to childcare provider 140. Absence payments An absence payment record type indicates payment to childcare provider 140 for periods where children covered by card 120 are absent. Client Inactivity A client inactivity report record type indicates a Report detailed list of case numbers where card 120 has not been utilized in a set period of time (for example 14 days). Card Status Entries A card status entry record type indicates the status of card 120, for example active or inactive. Declined Transactions A declined transactions record type indicates Swipe type entries where service is declined by benefits administrator 130. Pending Transactions A pending transactions record type indicates that customer 110 has applied for services at childcare provider 140 but that those services have not yet been approved by benefits administrator 130.

As shown in FIG. 4, a simplified example of transaction record 160 is shown. The fields indicated in FIG. 4 includes the following: the user qualities, which includes information about the authorization of services afforded to customer 110; the identification and authorization for the child receiver services at childcare provider 140; the time-in parameter indicating the start of services; the time-out parameter indicating the conclusion of services; the location identification of childcare provider 140; the date of the services; and the amount of copay provided by customer 110 for those services.

Terminal

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of terminal 150 consistent with methods and systems of the present invention. Terminal 150 includes an interaction device 510 and a local computer 520.

Terminal 150 electronically executes transactions (i.e., builds record 160 from available date stored on card 120 or in computer 520) and processes transaction information to calculate payment data over a predefined period of time. Interaction device 510 is connected to send payment data and transaction information read from card 120 to local computer 520 and in some embodiments to write or modify information on card 120. Interaction device 510 can include a card reader 513, a keypad 515, and a display 517. In some embodiments, display 517 may be combined with a display terminal that is also coupled with computer 320.

Card reader 513 includes electronic circuitry that enables interaction device 210 to extract identification information from benefit card 120 (not shown). Although, FIG. 5 illustrates card reader 513 as a raised structure on the top portion of interaction device 510, it should be apparent that card reader 513 could be located at various positions on the structure of interaction device 513. Furthermore, card reader 513 may have any appropriate design configuration.

Keypad 515 includes a plurality of buttons that may be labeled with at least one alphanumeric character, which character may be presented to a user on display 517 when a button is depressed. The buttons may also perform other functions identified by functional descriptions inscribed on keypad 515 in close proximity to the respective button. Button 3, for example, may be labeled with the letters D, E, and F, and the number 3. Moreover, the functional description “AM” may be located beneath button 3, which informs a user that button 3 may be used when defining the time of day. In some embodiments, keypad 515 may be a separate keyboard that is coupled to computer 520.

Display 517 can be a standard liquid crystal display device. In response to a user's input or a processing event, display 517 presents any of a number of alphanumeric characters or text messages to the user.

Local computer 520 stores payment data and transaction information received from interaction device 510. Local computer 520 includes software for organizing and processing payment data and transaction information. Local computer 520 may, for example, include software to generate an annual billing report for benefits administrator 130. Local computer 520 preferably provides an annual billing report accessible by or transferable to childcare processing system 130 through network 206 so that benefits administrator 130 may access the information from childcare processing system 130 over network 207. Moreover, local computer 520 further preferably generates reports in response to a request or query submitted to child care provider system 200 over a network coupled to child care provider system 200. The request may come from benefits administrator 130 or from other administrative institutions authorized to access that information in child care provider system 200. Embodiments of terminal 150 may combine interaction device 510 and computer 520 into one functional unit.

After customer 110 submits benefit card 120 to card reader 513, display 517 can be utilized to prompt customer 110 for any additional information required to complete the requested transaction. As discussed above, card reader 513 may obtain personal benefits information of customer 110 from benefit card 120. In some embodiments, a personal identification number (PIN) or other form of authorization may be required to ensure that a customer 110 is in fact the one using benefit card 120.

Customer 110 verifies attendance at childcare provider 140, for example, by using keypad 515 to input personal benefits information as prompted by display 517. After inputting the personal information, customer 110 uses keypad 517 to input additional information for completing the transaction as directed by computer 520 through display 517.

Exemplary Computing System

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computing system 600, consistent with an embodiment of the invention. Computing system 600 may represent, for example, the internal components of computer 520 or childcare processing system 200. By way of example, a program or set of instructions to run the childcare processing system 200 may be implemented in computing system 600.

Computing system 600 may include a number of components, such as a processor or central processing unit (CPU) 610, a memory 620, a network interface 630, I/O devices 640, and/or a display 630. Such components may be interconnected by a system bus 660. CPU 610 may be a microprocessor such as the Pentium® family of microprocessors manufactured by Intel Corporation. However, any other suitable microprocessor, micro-, mini-, or mainframe computer may be used, such as a micro-controller unit (MCU), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

Memory 620 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a video memory, mass storage, and/or cache memory such as fixed and removable media (e.g., magnetic, optical, or magnetic optical storage systems or other available mass storage technology). Memory 620 stores support modules such as, for example, a basic input/output system (BIOS), an operating system (OS), a program library, a compiler, an interpreter, and/or a text-processing tool. Support modules are commercially available and can be installed on computing system 600 by those of skill in the art. For simplicity, these modules are not illustrated. Further, memory 620 may contain an operating system, an application routine, a program, such as a web browser program, an application-programming interface (API), and/or other instructions for performing methods consistent with embodiments of the invention.

Network interface 630, examples of which include Ethernet, dial-up telephone and/or other conventional data port connections, may be used to communicate with other devices through, for example, a communication network (not shown). Computing system 600 may also receive input via input/output (I/O) devices 640, which may include a keyboard, pointing device, or other like input devices. Computing system 600 may also provide output via input/output (I/O) devices 640, which may include interface device 510. Computing system 600 may also present information and interfaces, such as a care application, via display 650 to customer 110.

Bus 660 may be a bi-directional system bus. For example, bus 660 may contain thirty-two address bit lines for addressing a memory 620 and thirty-two bit lines across which data is transferred among the components. Alternatively, multiplexed data/address lines may be used instead of separate data and address lines.

Childcare Processing System

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a childcare processing system 200, consistent with methods and systems of the present invention. As shown the childcare processing system may include a computing platform 600, a database server 740, and a benefits database 730. Computing platform 600 may further comprise applications 710, HTTP server 712, JSP engine 714, terminal messaging module 716, and Operating System 718. HTTP server 712 may provide automatic file processing ability using, for example, an Extended Markup Language (“XML”) processor that may automatically process files received from a government entity. In some embodiments, for example, the received file may comply with an XML schema and relying upon that schema an XML processor may extract records located in the file.

The file may be at least one of a childcare customer account setup file, a childcare customer account update file, and a childcare customer update file, or a childcare provider account setup file, a childcare provider account update file, and a childcare provider update file. By processing any of these files account setup, account update, and benefits processing and payments may be processed. Automatic processing of the file may further include acknowledging a receipt of the file, validating a format of the file; and processing the records located in the file. Thus, for example, processing of the file may include extracting the relevant information from the file and updating databases related to benefits information, such as benefits database 730.

HTTP server 712 may be any HyperText Transport Protocol compatible server, such as Apache Web Server, Microsoft IIS, or Netscape Enterprise Server. Although FIG. 7 depicts a HTTP-based system, one may use any equivalent system that enables remote devices to access functionality located on the childcare processing system.

JSP Engine 714 may include Java Server Pages-related technology (a technology from Sun Microsystems) permitting delivery of dynamic content to the users of childcare processing system 200. In some embodiments, Java language from Sun Microsystems may be used for scripting applications 710. JSP Engine 714 may further have access to Sun Microsystem's J2EE platform for accessing the relevant software libraries/modules. Other similar technologies, such as Active Server Pages (from Microsoft) may also be used. Additionally, CGI scripts or similar technologies that do not necessarily separate page design from programming logic may also be used.

Terminal messaging module 716 may provide messaging functionality such as ISO 8583 messaging between a terminal and childcare processing system 200. Such messaging may be accomplished over X.25 and IP protocols or other appropriate protocols.

Operating system 718 may provide an interface between the various software modules of computing platform 600 and hardware associated with the computing platform. Operating system 718 may be implemented using Sun Microsystem's Solaris operating system. It may also be implemented using other appropriate operating systems such as UNIX, Linux, Microsoft NT, HP-UX, AIX, or any other operating system that may interface the software modules with the hardware associated with computing platform 600.

Database server 740 may be any database server program, such as Oracle 9i from Oracle that may be used to provide access to benefits database 730. Benefits database 730 may be a single database or distributed over multiple databases. Although FIG. 7 shows only one database, childcare processing system 200 may either include or connect to other databases as well.

FIG. 8 shows various examples of applications 710 implemented by childcare processing system 200. Referring now to FIG. 8, applications 710 may include software components for calculating benefits including business rule handling 811, day counter and absent day algorithms 812, part time benefits 813, full time benefits 814, user interface 815, manual claim processing 816, and management 817. The functionality illustrated by these components may be combined or distributed further into sub-components. Additional functionality may be added using additional software components. A business rule indicates a limitation on making payments and may be dictated by the state or the entity that provides funding for the benefit. For example, a business rule may limit the amount of monetary compensation provided to a particular childcare provider 140 in a period of time.

FIG. 9 shows examples various management applications 817. Management applications 817 may comprise software components including an account management component 950, a card management component 952, a benefit management component 954, a transaction management component 956, reconciliation management component 958, a payment management component 960, a report management component 962, and a user management component 964. The functionality provided in these components may be combined or distributed further into sub-components. Additionally, more functionality may be added using additional software components.

Interfaces with Childcare Processing System

FIG. 10A shows an exemplary screen related to establishing a benefits account for customer 110 or childcare provider 140. Account management component 950 may provide account creation for a childcare customer 110 or childcare provider 140. Thus, for example, benefits administrator 130, an authorized user of childcare processing system 200, may establish benefits to a customer 110 to receive services from a childcare provider 140. As has been indicated above, a case number 1001 is assigned to the authorization of services from childcare provider 140 by benefits administrator 140. Accordingly benefits administrator 140 may add a case with a certain case number 1001, assign it to one of the available programs that supplies benefits 1002, designate a case type 1003 and continue 1004 with processing. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, benefits administrator 140, who may be any authorized user of childcare processing system 200, may provide relevant information 1010 concerning the new account with customer 110, which then may be stored, for example, in benefits database 730 shown in FIG. 7.

Card management component 952 may provide functionality associated with managing benefit card 120. Card management component 952 may include, among other things, functions associated with issuing new cards, activating the newly issued cards, replacing existing cards (for example damaged or lost cards), changing a card's status, displaying the history of a card (for example, showing all current and prior card numbers with replacement date and status), assigning an authorized representative and/or protective payee to a food stamp or a cash account, issuing a PIN associated with a particular card, and allowing childcare customer 110 s to change PIN's, for example, using a POS terminal 150 or an ATM. As illustrated in FIG. 10C, card management component 952 may include issuance of a new card 1022. Accordingly, benefits administrator 130, identified by a caseworker 1020, may issue a card 120 to a childcare customer 110, based on information 1010. Once selected for issuance childcare processing system 200 may require confirmation before issuing card 120, for example by selecting “OK” in a confirmation window 1024. Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 10D, card management 952 may further permit replacement of a lost or damaged card 120 by entering appropriate information into replacement window 1030.

Referring again to FIG. 9, benefit management component 954 may provide functionality associated with managing benefits for various childcare customers 110. Benefit management component 954 may include, among other things, issuing new benefits, canceling existing benefits, and converting between benefits provided for customer 110. Benefits include authorization for childcare payment and/or any other government sponsored childcare benefits provided to either childcare provider 140 or directly to childcare customer 110 for childcare services. As shown in FIG. 10E, benefits administrator 130 may specify a particular benefits program, amount of the benefit, and any other relevant information and authorize the benefit to childcare customer 110. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10E, benefit type, benefit amount, and its effective date may be specified in benefits window 1040. Issuance of benefits may be confirmed in confirmation window 1042.

With reference to FIG. 9, transaction management component 956 may provide functionality associated with tracking transactions related to a particular childcare customer 110, a particular benefit, or a particular benefit program. Transaction management component 956 relates to transactions involving a single childcare customer 110 or transactions involving a childcare provider 140. Childcare customer transaction management may include displaying summary information on every use by any of customers 110 of a childcare provider 140 and displaying specific detailed information for each use. Childcare provider 140 transactions may include displaying summary information on every transaction for the childcare provider 140 by the date selected and displaying specifics on any particular transaction. Thus, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10F, benefits administrator 130 may investigate a transaction history, illustrated in history window 1070, of a particular childcare customer 110. Alternatively, benefits administrator 130 may investigate a transaction history for a particular childcare provider 140.

FIG. 10G illustrates a message provided by childcare processing system 200 in response to an inquiry from either a childcare customer 110 or childcare provider 140. Childcare processing system 200 may display at least one electronic message concerning the inquiry to childcare customer 110 through a graphical user interface. The at least one electronic mail message may be displayed in response to an inquiry from the childcare customer 110. Alternatively, it may be displayed even without any inquiry from the childcare customer 110. For example, the electronic message may provide updated information concerning benefits without being prompted by the childcare customer 110.

Referring again to FIG. 9, user management component 964 may include functionality related to managing user accounts, for example, adding a recipient message, modifying, and deleting user accounts. It may also include functionality related to adding, modifying, and deleting login privileges for various users (e.g., benefits administrators 130) of childcare processing system 200.

Reports

Report management component 962 may provide functionality related to generating reports, viewing reports, and printing reports. It may also permit retrieval of archived data. FIG. 11 illustrates various reports 1100 that may be generated in report management component 962. Reports 1100 may include account activity reports 1110, terminal activity reports 1120, clearing reports 1130, database value reports 1140, administrative reports 1150, financial reports 1160, payment reports 1170 and data activity reports 1180. Account activity report 1110 may generate a report that reflects all transactions related to a customer 110, an authorized person associated with customer 110, or a childcare provider 140, for example, (i.e., an account) for a particular day. It may also provide information concerning all account related transactions done on behalf of a state or an agent of the state. Details may be provided related to any transaction that impacts an account balance, for example benefits associated with a customer 110 or childcare provider 140. Both a processor identification number and a batch file name associated with the transaction may identify a transaction originator.

Terminal activity reports 1120 may indicate all transactions that result in childcare service being provided to customer 110. Such a report may list the transaction type, the start and end time of childcare provided, the transaction date, and the benefits impacted by each transaction. Clearing report 1130 may provide information concerning total funds that are being transferred between, for example, funding agencies and childcare providers 140. Administrative reports 1150 includes any other reports related to the administration of benefits. Financial reports 1160 may relate to the various financial data concerning the benefits, which may be arranged in any manner.

FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary payment report 1170. Payment report 1170 may include provider, facility and contract number information, along with a listing of authorized children associated with various customers 110 and attendance for the children during a payment period. FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary data activity report 1180. Data activity report 1180 may include listings of total changes for a particular county, for example.

Methods of Interaction with Childcare Processing System

Referring now to FIG. 13, a flow chart is shown corresponding to an exemplary method for processing childcare benefits. As shown, the method may comprise providing a graphical user interface to childcare customer 110 for accessing at least account information concerning at least one benefit type (step 1310). The graphical user interface may be implemented using a web browser, for example, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, or any other similar software. The graphical user interface may be made available on a personal computer, a handheld computer, a television, a thin computer, or any other device capable of accessing a network, such as the Internet, via a graphical user interface. Interactive functionality may be provided using XML, Java Server Pages, Microsoft Active Server Pages or any other similar combination of software. For example, using a HTTP server 712 and JSP engine 714, which may be used to act as an intermediary between benefits database 730 (of FIG. 7) and the childcare customer 110. Using the graphical user interface, the childcare customer 110 may access at least account information concerning at least one benefit type. The term “account information” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, account balance information, and any other information related to the childcare customer 110.

Next, a request from childcare customer 110 through the graphical user interface may be received for displaying the at least account information concerning the at least one benefit type (step 1320). The childcare customer 110 may request information concerning the at least one benefit type using any user interface element, such as selecting an item from a pull-down list, clicking a button, or any other type of graphical user interface element.

As shown in FIG. 13, the at least account information concerning the at least one benefit type may then be displayed through the graphical user interface (step 1330). Consistent with this method, such information may be displayed immediately after receiving the request or may be displayed at a later time. Further, the childcare processing system may also display at least one electronic message concerning the at least one benefit type to the childcare customer 110.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart for another exemplary method for processing childcare benefits. The method may include childcare processing system 200 receiving a request from a childcare customer 110 through a graphical user interface for accessing at least transaction information concerning at least one type of childcare benefits (step 1410). As discussed earlier, in some embodiments the graphical user interface may be a web browser.

Next, the childcare processing system may display the account transaction information concerning the at least one type of childcare benefits to the childcare customer 110 through the graphical user interface (step 1420). The childcare processing system may then receive an inquiry from the childcare customer 110 through the graphical user interface concerning the displayed account transaction information (step 1430).

The childcare processing system may then respond to the inquiry from the childcare customer 110 concerning the displayed account transaction information through the graphical user interface (step 1440). Although this response may be generated automatically by the childcare processing system, an operator may manually respond to the inquiry as well.

FIG. 15 shows a flow chart for an exemplary method for managing childcare benefits. The exemplary method may include the childcare processing system receiving a request from at least one childcare provider 140, in some embodiments made through a graphical user interface, for accessing information regarding transactions handled by the at least one childcare provider 140 concerning at least one type of childcare benefit (step 1510). Thus, as part of step 1510, a childcare provider 140 may access information regarding any transactions that were paid for using benefit card 120.

The method may further include displaying the information regarding the transactions handled by the at least one childcare provider 140 concerning the at least one type of childcare benefits at the graphical user interface (step 1520). In some embodiments, information regarding the transactions handled by the at least one childcare provider 140 may be displayed in a summary form. Additionally, detailed information regarding at least one transaction handled by the at least one childcare provider 140 concerning the at least one type of childcare benefits may be displayed. Further, an benefits administrator 130 or another authorized user may search information concerning the at least one childcare provider 140 through the graphical user interface. Further, information regarding transactions for a particular childcare provider 140, initiated either by childcare provider 140 or benefits administrator 130, may be transmitted to childcare provider 140.

FIG. 16 shows a flow chart for an exemplary method for managing childcare benefits. Consistent with the exemplary method, a web browser based administrator terminal may be provided to at least one government representative, benefits administrator 130, for managing at least one type of childcare benefit (step 1610). The government representative may be a federal, state, or county employee or anyone else authorized to manage the at least one type of childcare benefits. The method may further include creating an account for at least one childcare customer 110 using the web browser based administrative terminal (step 1620). An administrator terminal may be similar to terminal 150, but may have further functionality associated with the duties of benefits administrator 130.

The method may further include issuing a benefit card to the at least one childcare customer 110 for the at least one type of childcare benefits (step 1630). The benefit card may be similar to a credit card, a smart card, or any other type of card and/or apparatus that may be used to access benefits-related information. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 10C, a new card may be issued. Further, the authorized user, for example, a county employee, may add at least one childcare provider 140 to the at least one type of childcare benefit. Alternatively, the authorized user may cancel at least one childcare provider 140 from the program.

FIG. 17 shows a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providing access to childcare benefits. The exemplary method may include receiving information identifying a childcare customer 110 from terminal 150 (step 1702). The childcare customer 110 may swipe a benefit card at terminal 150, thereby providing information coded on, for example, a magnetic strip.

Next, the information identifying the childcare customer 110 may be authenticated (step 1704). Authentication may include verifying the childcare customer 110's identity. It may further include determining the eligibility of the childcare customer 110 to receive a particular benefit.

The exemplary method, as shown in FIG. 17, may further include receiving a request to debit an account corresponding to the childcare customer 110 (step 1706). This information may be received before authenticating the information identifying the childcare customer 110. Thus, both the information identifying the childcare customer 110 and the request to debit the account may be received before authentication. Further, the exemplary method includes processing the request to debit the account corresponding to the childcare customer 110 (step 1708). This step may include debiting the account and recording the transaction for reporting purposes.

FIG. 18 is one exemplary flow diagram illustrating use of childcare services consistent with methods and systems of the present invention. A start time is recorded (step 1810). The start time may be recorded in response to a prompt on display 517 of terminal 150 to the childcare customer 110, requesting the entering of account information via one of card reader 513 or keypad 515. In some embodiments, once valid account information is entered, display 517 prompts childcare customer 110 to enter the transaction type. Display 517 presents to childcare customer 110 a plurality of transactions along with an assigned alphanumeric character. Childcare customer 110 may select a transaction by depressing one of buttons labeled with the corresponding assigned character. When childcare customer 110 selects the transaction, display 517 may prompt the client to enter additional information required to complete the transaction. For example, if childcare customer 110 selects the transaction for entering attendance information for a previous visit, then display 517 prompts childcare customer 110 to input a date and at least one of a start time or end time for the childcare services rendered during a previous visit.

Terminal 150 records an end time in step 1820. When a childcare customer 110 returns to childcare provider 140 at the end of the day, they may once again swipe the benefit card and with this action an end time is recorded. Terminal 150 may then processes the transaction information and calculate payment due to childcare provider 140. The transaction record 160, including the start time and the end time is transmitted to childcare processing system 200 (step 1830). Childcare processing system 200 enables benefits administrator 130 (which may represent a plurality of authorized users) to obtain transaction information to be processed by central computer 120 and associated with childcare provider 140.

Using record 160, benefits are processed by childcare processing system 200 (step 1840). The start time and end time can be used, along with childcare customer 110 attributes to determine payments to the childcare provider 140. Benefits administrator 130 may handle this processing. Benefits administrator 130 may also process payment data and transaction information for the purposes of auditing provider facilities, reconciling discrepancies in calculated payments, and processing payments.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating management of childcare services consistent with methods and systems of the present invention. Benefits administrators 130 may have a need for reports that audit childcare provider facilities 140, reconciling discrepancies in calculated payments, and processing payments. In order to manage childcare services a record or set of records 160 are received (step 1910). Record 160 is then processed so that at least a start time and end time of the childcare service are analyzed (step 1920). At this step, benefits administrator 130 may calculate payments for childcare provider 140, for example, based on the start time and end time of the childcare service. If the payment due identified in the record does not equal the calculated payment, then childcare provider 140 may be audited to identify the discrepancy, or reconciliation of the calculated payment so that the discrepancy is resolved. On the other hand, if the payment due equals the calculated payment, then benefit administrator may authorize an electronic transfer of funds from a financial institution to the account of childcare provider 140. A report is then generated based on the processed records (step 1930). This report can indicate the results of auditing or of successful payments to childcare provider 140.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, although the various embodiments have been described by referring to childcare benefits, they are applicable for benefits sponsored by private entities and/or benefits sponsored by a combination of private and public funds. Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

1. A method for processing benefits payments to a service provider for authorized services provided by the service provider, comprising: issuing a benefit token with a unique machine-readable identifier to a customer; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at a terminal located at the service provider at a beginning of a service session to generate a start time; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at the terminal at an end of the service session to generate an end time; transmitting a transaction record including the start time and the end time to a processing system; computing, by a processor, a benefit payment based on the start time, the end time, and an eligibility criteria; and transmitting the benefit payment to the service provider.
 2. A method for processing childcare benefits payments to a childcare service provider for authorized services provided by the childcare service provider, comprising: issuing a benefit token with a unique machine-readable identifier to a customer; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at a terminal located at the childcare service provider at a beginning of a service session to generate a start time; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at the terminal at an end of the service session to generate an end time; transmitting a transaction record including the start time and the end time to a processing system; computing, by a processor, a childcare benefit payment based on the start time, the end time, and an eligibility criteria; and transmitting the childcare benefit payment to the childcare service provider.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: receiving a co-payment amount from the customer.
 4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: approving the service of the childcare service provider.
 5. The method of claim 2 wherein recording the start time comprises: recording at least a date and a time corresponding to the start time.
 6. The method of claim 2 wherein recording the end time comprises: recording at least a date and a time corresponding to the end time.
 7. The method of claim 2 further comprising: subjecting the payment to at least one business rule.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the at least one business rule provides at least one state-specific rule.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the state-specific rule limits the maximum duration for which a childcare service provider may be paid in a predetermined duration.
 10. The method of claim 2 wherein the recorded start time and the end time are stored at the terminal.
 11. The method of claim 2 further comprising: receiving a request from the customer through a graphical user interface for accessing at least account balance information concerning at least one type of childcare service; and displaying the at least account balance information concerning the at least one type of childcare service to the customer through the graphical user interface.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the graphical user interface is a web browser interface.
 13. The method of claim 2 further comprising: receiving a request from the childcare service provider through a graphical user interface for accessing at least one payment; and displaying at least account balance information corresponding to the at least one payment to the childcare service provider through the graphical user interface.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the graphical user interface is a web browser interface.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising: displaying at least one electronic message concerning the request to the childcare service provider through the graphical user interface.
 16. The method of claim 2 wherein the childcare service provider is an authorized childcare service provider.
 17. An apparatus for processing benefits, comprising: an issuing component to issue a benefit token to a customer; a receiving component to receive a start time record for service at a service provider, the start time record recorded at a terminal located at the service provider at a start of service through use of the benefit token, and to receive an end time record for service at the service provider, the end time record recorded at the terminal located at the service provider at an end of service through use of the benefit token; a computing component to compute the benefit eligibility based on the start time record, the end time record, and benefits available for the customer; and a payment component to pay the service provider a payment based on the computed benefit eligibility.
 18. An apparatus for processing childcare benefits, comprising: an issuing component to issue a benefit token to a customer; a receiving component to receive a start time record for service at a childcare service provider, the start time record recorded at a terminal located at the childcare service provider at a start of service through use of the benefit token, and to receive an end time record for service at the childcare service provider, the end time record recorded at the terminal located at the childcare service provider at an end of service through use of the benefit token; a computing component to compute the childcare benefit eligibility based on the start time record, the end time record, and benefits available for the customer; and a payment component to pay the childcare service provider a payment based on the computed childcare benefit eligibility.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a co-payment receiving component to receive a co-payment amount from the customer.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprises: an approving component to approve the service of the childcare service provider.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the start time record comprises at least a date and a time corresponding to the start time.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the end time record comprises at least a date and a time corresponding to the end time.
 23. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a subjecting component to subject the payment to at least one business rule.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the at least one business rule provides at least one state-specific rule.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the state-specific rule limits the maximum duration for which the childcare service provider may be paid in a predetermined duration.
 26. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the start time record and the end time record are stored at the terminal.
 27. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the childcare service provider is an authorized childcare service provider.
 28. A system for processing benefits, comprising: means for issuing a benefit token to a customer; means for receiving a start time for service at a service provider, the start time recorded by using the benefit token at a terminal located at the service provider at a start of service; means for receiving an end time for service at the service provider, the end time recorded by using the benefit token at the terminal located at the service provider at an end of service; means for computing a benefit eligibility based on the start time, the end time and benefits available for the customer; and means for paying the service provider a payment based on the computed benefit eligibility.
 29. A system for processing childcare benefits, comprising: means for issuing a benefit token to a customer; means for receiving a start time for service at a childcare service provider, the start time recorded by using the benefit token at a terminal located at the childcare service provider at a start of service; means for receiving an end time for service at the childcare service provider, the end time recorded by using the benefit token at the terminal located at the childcare service provider at an end of service; means for computing a childcare benefit eligibility based on the start time, the end time and benefits available for the customer; and means for paying the childcare service provider a payment based on the computed childcare benefit eligibility.
 30. The system of claim 29 further comprising: means for receiving a co-payment amount from the customer.
 31. The system of claim 29 further comprising: means for approving the service of the childcare service provider.
 32. The system of claim 29 wherein the means for recording the start time comprises: means for recording at least a date and a time corresponding to the start time.
 33. The system of claim 29 wherein the means for recording the end time comprises: means for recording at least a date and a time corresponding to the end time.
 34. The system of claim 29 further comprising: means for subjecting the payment to at least one business rule.
 35. The system of claim 34 wherein the at least one business rule provides at least one state-specific rule.
 36. The system of claim 35 wherein the at least one state-specific rule limits the maximum duration for which the childcare service provider may be paid in a predetermined duration.
 37. The system of claim 29 further comprising a means for storing start times and end times at the terminal.
 38. The system of claim 29 further comprising: means for receiving a request from the customer through a graphical user interface for accessing at least account balance information concerning at least one type of service; and means for displaying the at least account balance information concerning the at least one type of service to the customer through the graphical user interface.
 39. The system of claim 38 wherein the graphical user interface is a web browser interface.
 40. The system of claim 39 further comprising: means for receiving a request from the childcare service provider through a graphical user interface for accessing at least one payment; and means for displaying the at least account balance information concerning the at least one payment to the childcare service provider through the graphical user interface.
 41. The system of claim 40 wherein the graphical user interface is a web browser interface.
 42. The system of claim 40 further comprising: means for displaying at least one electronic message concerning the request to the childcare service provider through the graphical user interface.
 43. The system of claim 29 wherein the childcare service provider is an authorized childcare service provider.
 44. A tangible computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a data processing system to perform a method for processing benefits, the method comprising: issuing a benefit token with a unique machine-readable identifier to a customer; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at a terminal located at a service provider at a beginning of a service session to generate a start time; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at the terminal at an end of the service session to generate an end time; transmitting a transaction record including the start time and the end time to a processing system; computing a benefit payment based on the start time, the end time, and an eligibility criteria; and transmitting the benefit payment to the service provider.
 45. A tangible computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a data processing system to perform a method for processing childcare benefits, the method comprising: issuing a benefit token with a unique machine-readable identifier to a customer; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at a terminal located at a childcare service provider at a beginning of a service session to generate a start time; reading the unique machine-readable identifier from the benefit token at the terminal at an end of the service session to generate an end time; transmitting a transaction record including the start time and the end time to a processing system; computing a childcare benefit payment based on the start time, the end time, and an eligibility criteria; and transmitting the childcare benefit payment to the childcare service provider.
 46. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 further comprising: receiving a co-payment amount from the customer.
 47. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 further comprising: approving the service session of the childcare service provider.
 48. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 wherein recording the start time further comprises: recording at least a date and a time corresponding to the start time.
 49. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 wherein recording the end time further comprises: recording at least a date and a time corresponding to the end time.
 50. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 further comprising: subjecting the childcare benefit payment to at least one business rule.
 51. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the at least one business rule provides at least one state-specific rule.
 52. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the at least one state-specific rule limits a maximum duration for which the childcare service provider may be paid in a predetermined duration.
 53. The computer-readable medium of claim 45, wherein the recorded start time and the end time are stored at the terminal.
 54. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 further comprising: receiving a request from the customer through a graphical user interface for accessing at least account balance information concerning at least one type of childcare service; and displaying the at least account balance information concerning the at least one type of childcare service to the customer through the graphical user interface.
 55. The computer-readable medium of claim 54, wherein the graphical user interface is a web browser interface.
 56. The computer-readable medium of claim 45 further comprising: receiving a request from the childcare service provider through a graphical user interface for accessing at least one payment; and displaying at least account balance information concerning the at least one payment to the childcare service provider through the graphical user interface.
 57. The computer-readable medium of claim 56, wherein the graphical user interface is a web browser interface.
 58. The computer-readable medium of claim 56, further comprising: displaying at least one electronic message concerning the request to the childcare service provider through the graphical user interface.
 59. The computer-readable medium of claim 45, wherein the childcare service provider is an authorized childcare service provider. 